Millbrook Mountain Cliffs: Preserved

The rock formations that comprise the cliffs on the Shawangunk Ridge feature many different microhabitats for plants and animals, making the talus on the property a rare and unique ecosystem. As such, it had been regarded as a conservation priority in the New York State and Town of Gardiner open space plans.

The property was purchased from a local farmer, John Stokes, who had built a small tavern at the end of the lake to supplement his farming income. He maintained order by chaining his drunken customers to a tree. While showing the property to the Smiley brothers, Mr. Stokes expressed his disdain for the 'pizen' laurel. He thought it was useless because the cattle would not eat it and it was impractical as firewood. Perhaps he did not notice the breathtaking display of delicately clustered pink and white flowers that draped the Shawangunks in early June or the sprawling grace of shrubs with glossy leaves that grew in and about the rocky places and under the hemlock trees.